Stillness and Rest {Food For Our Souls}

February 23, 2013 by 2 Comments

Stillness and rest are food for our soulsIMG_2348c IMG_2425 IMG_2426

Stillness and rest are indeed like food to our souls, and to be honest, mine has grown pretty hungry over the past few months. My pace of life seems to run faster and faster as the need arises to I fill every single waking minute of my time with something, just to get it all done. And I’m sure if I add up all the late nights … I’ve missed many nights of sleep.

So, I just wanted you to know that things will be a bit quieter around here for the next couple weeks, as I’ll be taking some time off to travel and spend time with family. We are SO excited to get away!

Denise and Tracie will be posting for the next couple weeks about our journey through Mended and I will have some reminders for you about that! And while I’ll have sporadic access to the internet, I’m going to  try to share on Instagram and Twitter as I can.

As I go, my prayer for us all, is to choose … with intention … to still our hearts more.

Taking more time to rest …

Turning our hearts toward those we love..

Giving thanks for all He’s given…

And as Ann says … slowing time with the weight of our full attention.

Do you struggle with being too busy?

What has helped you?

 

Filed Under: Gratitude, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: ,



For When We Need to Slow Down Time to See the Beauty

May 7, 2012 by 3 Comments

I sleep with the window open because the cool breeze is irresistible. The days have been beautiful here, not too cold or too hot, and it’s been a wonderful spring to enjoy. And I’ve woken up every morning this past week to a symphony of birds singing–chirping and tweeting and talking to each other. And while they’re happy and cheery, I’m still warming up to that idea and to be honest, it makes me wonder if the window open was worth it at all.

It’s hard to leave the comfort of my bed. Everything in me wants to linger here–to roll over and forget the long list of to-do’s for the day … always so much to do. I wriggle on my workout clothes and slip on my running shoes, grabbing my phone and ear buds too. And I don’t think I’ll ever like running. And I’m sort of a runner-walker anyway, because when it’s downhill I run, but when it’s uphill I walk. After all my polar-F-6-heart-rate-monitor-watch-thingy says my heart rate stays the same even though I’m only walking up, and that’s good enough for me.

And something happens as I breathe the freshness of the morning and put my feet one in front of the other. Even though I hadn’t wanted to run, I’m alone to do nothing but run and to see. I notice the beauty around me–the paths and the trees and the roses in full bloom. All this beauty I may have missed had I not gone running–had I not paid attention.

I’m the guiltiest of all when it comes to rushing and multi-tasking. With five kids and multiple plates I spin, what I’m thinking is efficiency in reality is pure futility. I miss so much when my thoughts and efforts are constantly diversified.

It becomes a rush, rush, rush … a hurry, hurry, hurry … and I’m thinking about the next thing while I’m trying to do the now-thing. And I wonder as I’m accomplishing my tasks and checking off my boxes why I’m feeling empty and why my efforts don’t satisfy.

I may be accomplishing tasks, but am I lingering with those I love most?

Am I slowing time to make room to notice the beauty that’s right here and has been here the whole time?

Kid’s playing, flowers blooming, bulbs sprouting, friends texting, books waiting … everything waiting for me to slow down and pay attention. But I keep moving on, on to the next thing, and I’m learning unless I intervene and come to a willful halt, there will always be a next-thing.

Time moves fast and it’s ironic how much I miss when I try to control it all in an attempt to maximize the time I’m given. Life feels chaotic like I’m spinning and there won’t be an end.

I re-read Ann’s words this past week… 

Hurry is the mark of an amateur

…and I’m still there, living that amateur way. Ugh!

How many times do I tell the kids to hurry? So many times. Over and over again.

And what am I teaching them really? That we don’t have time to slow down and notice the beauty of each moment.

No time to slow down and give thanks.

No time for making room for joy.

I’m glad that half the battle is awareness, so that the change can be possible. But being aware is not enough. I have to do something. Like Ann says, I have to open my hands and open my eyes and choose to see.

This week, may you join me in slowing down time by paying attention. By refusing to rush and hurry and multi-task our way through life. Let’s take time to rest, to notice nature, make time for that lunch with a friend, make time to read that book, or try that recipe… time most of all to nurture the relationships we’ve been given.

And let’s give thanks for it all, because it’s in the gratitude we can find joy. And I SO want joy!

 

How have you been rushing lately?

What beauty might you notice if you paused to see?

 

Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1401-1415} with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012…with May’s printable.

#1416 The smell of my pillow

#1417 Birds chirping before dawn

#1418 Traffic flowing

#1419 Flowers in the hospital parking lot

#1420 Mother-in-law teaching the kids while I’m at work

#1421 Long run in the damp morning air

#1422 Bed with warm covers and a cool breeze

#1423 Snails crawling about

#1424 Talking and sharing my story with a mentor

#1425  Quiet time for writing

#1426  Parents visiting

#1427  Son turning eight

#1428  Delicious mexican food for lunch

#1429  Discipleship meetings and sharing from our hearts

#1430 The chance to abide and bear much fruit that He may be glorified in me

 

**Linking with Playdates at the Wellspring
Filed Under: Faith, Gratitude, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: , , ,



For When Memorizing is Intimidating and Change is a Challenge :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 4}

May 2, 2012 by 14 Comments

I have always been intimidated by scripture memory. For whatever reason it seemed too difficult to accomplish–too lofty a goal. Don’t get me wrong, I could memorize a verse here or there, and growing up, I did. But as far as large passages, forget it! I had just never really tried.

But there is something to be said for growth in a group–radical change in community.

I joined a 6-week discipleship group two summers ago as part of women’s ministry leadership training, and part of the challenge was to memorize scripture–big passages of scripture. And I won’t lie, I was resistant, mostly because I didn’t think I could do it. But several of my close friends were in the group, and I wanted to stay in leadership, so I didn’t quit. And slowly I did it, I began to memorize.

I carried my prompt cards with me everywhere, had the kids quiz me in the car, and reviewed the verses in my head over and over. In fact I was so preoccupied with learning my verses for the week and establishing the habit of reading my Bible and journaling, I had little time for anything else peripheral, and found myself meditating continuously, and in the process, memorizing.

And ever since, I’ve been passionate about scripture memory. Primarily because it is the tool by which my mind meditates and digests scripture. It’s the way God’s Word can always be with me–hidden deep in my heart. And it is the mode by which the Holy Spirit can encourage me, and use me to encourage others.

And so this is the end of week 4, memorizing the sermon on the mount … as inspired by Ann Voskamp, and supported by a Facebook group full of local friends.

Change is most successful if it is radical, in the context of community.

And I’m loving the transformation the change is providing.

This week, a video from me to you: my recitation of Matthew 5:1-10 (ESV). I’m linking up with Ann, to recite my memory work so far, and to share with you a little bit of my world.


And this week on to Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)…

{WEEK 5}
Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)
Blessed are you when others revile you, and persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
 
b a y w o r y a p y a u a k o e a y f o m a r a b g f y r i g i h f s t p t p w w b y

 

May your week be blessed as  you spend time letting God’s wonderful love letter soak deep into your heart. We’re in this together!

Have you found scripture memory intimidating?

Is change, in general, a challenge for you too?

How have you overcome?

 

Other posts in this series:

~Memorizing the Sermon on the Mount

~For When You Want to Know How to Really Teach {Week 1}

~For When You Need to Quit Performing to Earn God’s Love and Blessing {Week 2}

~When You Long to be Satisfied and Supremely Happy {Week 3}

 

**For additional help, ideas, and tools for memorizing, visit A Holy Experience to learn more…

Also linking to Women Living Well and Do Not Depart
Filed Under: Bible Memorization, Faith, Inspirational, Sermon on the Mount Tagged With: ,



When You’re in Need of a Book to Change Your Life

April 30, 2012 by 24 Comments

I want to write a book someday. And if there’s one thing I know about becoming an author, whatever I write needs to matter—it needs to be capable of changing a life.

And there are many books that have done that for me–books that left me changed. Books that have a message that stays with me long after I have read the last page. I have become better because of them, and that’s why they matter.

And while there are many books that have been helpful to me, I wanted to share with you just 5 of the books that have changed my life in the past few years. And it’s my hope that at least one of them could change yours too!

5 Books that Changed my Life

Found: God’s Will, by John MacArthur, is a short book that packs a punch. He answers the question almost every Christian asks: How can I know God’s will? And while the answer to this question eluded me for the majority of my Christian life, John’s words brought clarity to my mind, and relief to my heart. If you long to know how to find God’s will, this book is a must read, and I think you will find your life practically changed because of it.

One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp is a book I will read over and over again because the power of its message has transformed me, and I never want to forget. Ann dares me to notice the gifts in my life–to search for what I can be thankful for. She inspires me to write them down, to count them, and to give thanks for them in the midst my daily moments–those moments where the messes of my life challenge my willingness to give thanks. As I have read her poignant and transparent words, my perspective has shifted, and I am endeavoring to live life practicing the discipline of gratitude in every moment, even amidst suffering.

Love and Respect, by Emerson Eggerichs is absolutely the most practical book on marriage I’ve ever read! We use the strategies of this book every day in our marriage to break the crazy cycle of misunderstanding and communication differences. Wow! If you are married, I must say, you HAVE to read this book. It will change your marriage, I promise!

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, is the best book on children’s sleep I have ever found, and as a mom of 5, I have lived the moments where I was desperate for my kids to sleep. Unfortunately, I didn’t discover this book until after my 5th child was born, but I have still learned and benefitted so much from it. Dr. Weissbluth, is a pediatrician who conducts sleep research, and this book is a very practical resource for parents: I learned that sleep-wake cycles are separate from hunger cycles, that daytime sleep is different from nighttime sleep, and how essential sleep is for the healthy growth, development, and maintenance of our bodies. If you have children of any age, you will learn so much from this book, and use it as a resource that is just so practical!

Love & Logic, by Cline & Fay presents strategies for training and disciplining children. And after reading numerous books on parenting, these are my absolute favorites! They’ve written a general book, and also one that is specifically for parents of adolescents.  In a very practical, down-to-earth way, they explain how to provide natural consequences so children are motivated to independently choose what is right. They also call us out on our “hovering” parental ways, and instead, empower us to teach children the reality of their own decisions. I use these concepts daily, and wish I would have read these books years ago!

 

What book are you currently reading?

Which book has changed your life? How?

 

 

Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1401-1415} with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012…with April’s printable.

#1401 Uninterrupted sleep night after night

#1402 Swim lessons and watching them learn

#1403 Oldest and his friends “breaking-in” our pool

#1404 The littlest wanting to wear a dress and her hair in a bun and all the opinions of her 4-year-old personality

#1405 The ‘My Fitness Pal’ app, and how it scans labels too!

#1406 My sincere and much needed apology, and for the grace I received

#1407 A very sweet and very special surrogate delivery…and the privilege to be present to witness it

#1408 Podcasts from Michael Hyatt and The Simple Mom, keeping me company on my drive to work

#1409 (in)RL meetup with the food, flowers, laughter and being present in real community…such a gift

#1410 Twitter and connections it brings

#1411 Amazing worship and prayer service

#1412 Runs in the sunshine with my sweet husband

#1413 Flowers from a friend

#1414 Joining Instagram and learning to take pics

#1415 God’s GREAT love for us, even when we disappoint…and the way He chooses to use us anyway

 

 *This post contains NO affiliate links
Filed Under: Book Recommendations, Faith, Gratitude, Marriage, Motherhood, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: , , , , ,



How the Invisible Becomes Visible Again {Naming the Gifts and Giving Thanks}

April 23, 2012 by 6 Comments

I’m leading a women’s discipleship group through a 6-week intensive–reading God’s Word and journaling daily, memorizing scripture, serving others and reading Ann‘s book, One Thousand Gifts. And while they read, I re-read it all over again.

It’s been over a year and a half since I first read her scratched-out words, and they are still changing me.

And it’s just after five o’clock when I’m reading page 54, hidden away in the solitude of my room, writing and preparing for the ladies to come over in just two hours when I hear it outside—the water turned on falling, the laughter, chatter, and splashing. It’s only the second time they’ve gone in our new pool. The one that’s been over two years in the coming because of that envelope system we do. But the wait has made it that much more exciting. I reach for my camera because I don’t want to miss this.

I see the budded poplar trees as tall as our balcony, waving their leaves in the wind. I imagine them waving to offer their thanks too. And I hear the birds singing in their own bird language, back and forth without a pause.

I tiptoe outside and I see the air as it hangs on the mountain, the sun’s rays trying to break through its haze. And the neighborhood is calm and quiet on this Sunday evening.

I see the water flowing, and there my oldest daughter is sitting, watching the others. And the rest are splashing and swimming—time with Daddy before the work week begins.

I crouch down and snap the shutter and try to freeze time with the images—try to capture the emotion and expressions. I don’t want to forget. I want to see what is right here. I want to notice the things right before me wherever I am, as tiny and ordinary as they are.

Ann is right when she writes that it’s a hunt. A hunt for gifts is a hunt for joy.

“This naming really does call now a gift, a gift of God…in naming that which is right before me, that which I’d otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible…God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy.”
~One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp

 

I sit back down and open the computer so I can write and prepare, but the kids summon me back to the balcony. They ask me to come down and get in. They are calling me to become part of the gift.

And although the ladies will be here in one hour, even though there are papers to prepare, words to write here, a house to pick up, and a dinner to be made, I close the computer and don my suit. And I slow the time with the weight of my attention, and I continue on, seeing, naming, and enjoying the gifts.

All the gifts from His heart to mine…

 

How have you been changed by naming His gifts?

How have you become part of the gift?

 

Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1386-1400} with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012…with April’s printable.

#1386 Sunshine streaming in the window

#1387 Apple tree rows and abundant blossoms

#1388 poppies waving in the wind at the mountain above

#1389 a mining-for-gold field trip with co-op friends

#1390  Friday night sleepovers at Grandma’s

#1391 Cool evening breezes blowing in

#1392 Consignment deals, 50% off all day TODAY

#1393 Date night connection every single week

#1394 Wet rings of hair on the side of her small face

#1395 Trader Joe’s and their food

#1396 Our church and the Wii Fit series…radical change in community…just what I needed

#1397 Jillian Michaels and her DVD, Ripped in 30, and how I’m preparing to die

#1398 Ripped in 30 menu planned out for me

#1399 Meditating and memorizing the words of Jesus

#1400 grace and mercy extended daily to this wretched heart of mine

 

Filed Under: Family, Gratitude, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: , ,



You Can’t Fail if You Don’t Quit {Memorizing the Sermon on the Mount}

April 2, 2012 by 31 Comments

I’m starting something new this week, and I really want to share it with you.

But I’m a bit afraid–because (to be honest) I’m not sure I can do it.

And I just may fail … because I’ve failed before.

Remember a while back I shared some goals, and invited you to join along in memorizing Romans 8? Well, I must say, I started out strong. I memorized Romans 8:1-10, but then the holidays came and I fell behind, and over time I gave up.

I also purposed to wake early in the morning, but I found it to be pure misery to drag my I-stayed-up-too-late-getting-things-done-in-peace-and-quiet body out of my cozy bed. And even when I did manage to get up, it didn’t end up being quiet time alone, since my family members are such early risers. So I gave up on early mornings too.

I failed, plain and simple.

And the truth is, I frequently have grand ideas and goals but sometimes fall flat when it comes to implementation. And you know what? I really don’t want to be like that. My intentions are good and I mean to follow through (really I do) but for one reason or another, it doesn’t happen.

And I’m guessing you may be a bit like me—that you may know some failure of your own. And I can tell you right now, I understand how that feels. Trust me. I do.

But I heard this phrase on the radio the other day, and it stopped my wallowing-in-the-regret-of-my-failure self, right in my tracks…

You haven’t failed if you haven’t quit.

And when I heard that, it took a minute for it to sink in. And I had to repeat it back to myself out loud (and I know, you’re picturing me talking to myself in the car and I can assure you it was just as funny as it sounds). I even groped for a piece of paper and scrambled to copy it down, because I didn’t want to forget.

And that phrase begged the question…have I quit? Will I quit?

And I decided then and there I will not quit. So, after much encouragement from a couple of friends who successfully memorized all of Romans 8, I’m joining them in their next adventure: a year-long plan to memorize the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. We are starting this week, and we’ll be following the plan laid out by Ann Voskamp, memorizing 2-3 verses per week.

So last week I joined Scripture Typer, and I printed out the cards. Then I cut them and glued them into my Moleskine, and converted the two verses into first-letter prompts, to help with recall and memorizing.

And I’m diving in.

Even though I fall short, and even though I’m not sure it’s possible for me to do this, I’m deciding to take the risk and try.

And I’m wondering if you might want to join me?

I won’t lie, I’m nervous.

I don’t want to fail, especially after telling all of you.

But I haven’t failed if I haven’t quit, and neither have you. And that’s true no matter what it is. So let’s pick ourselves up, wherever we are, and keep going … keep moving … keep trying, no matter what.

So what do you say?

You wanna join me?

 

 
 
 

{WEEK 1}
Matthew 5:1-2 (ESV)
Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
 
S t c H w u o t m a w H s d H d c t H A H o H m a t t s

 
 
 

Is memorization hard for you too?

How have you felt like you failed lately?

 

 

Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1341-1355} with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012…

#1341 “I-love-you’s” from my littlest

#1342 My oldest observing lent–us all together remembering His sacrifice

#1343 Co-op field trips and learning about the missions of CA

#1344 Spring break with our Kindergartener home

#1345 Lazy mornings

#1346 Refreshing rain

#1347 Foxgloves, Delphiniums, Bulbs, & Diascias placed into the ground–our yard almost finished

#1348 Planting with my hands

#1349 The feel of dirt between my fingers–a catharsis of sorts

#1350 Lunch with a friend

#1351 Cleaning house together

#1352 A wonderful dinner party with food and music

#1353 A chance to meet new friends

#1354 Spring lunch with my Good Morning Girls

#1355 The anticipation of Easter, and all He did for me

Filed Under: Bible Memorization, Faith, Gratitude, One Thousand Gifts, Sermon on the Mount Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Hello Mornings…A New Challenge

January 16, 2012 by 14 Comments

This past fall I have rushed like a mad-woman, at a ridiculous pace. I strive, like Ann says, to slow time with the weight of my full attention–with the weight of being fully in the present moment. And while I do long for that, I’ve given myself so many hats to wear and so much to accomplish in my awake hours (which by the way, are many), that I seem to fail much more than I succeed.

And while I’ve made reading God’s word a priority most days, too many days it was late in the evening when I sat down with Him. And to be honest, it wasn’t my best. I was tired. I was spent. And I’m ashamed to admit it, but sometimes I was just checking the task off my list–writing my heart’s prayer in my journal just to say I’d written one.

And that is no way to treat my Savior.

In fact it is a pitiful way, that shows no thanks to Him for all He has given me.

And so today I’m purposing to begin a new habit–a challenge for the next three months…

To wake to Him and bring Him my best.

To rise early in the quiet of the morning with other like-minded sisters,

To read His Word, to journal and to pray,

To exercise,

And to purposefully plan my day,

And to do it all in the quiet hours before the house awakes. I know… this will be a big change for me. (So big that I can’t believe I’m typing these words out to you or even agreeing to this at all. Did I mention I love my sleep??)

But I know what a difference it has made on the days in the past when I have spent time with God at the beginning of my day. It has set the pace, prepared my heart, and focused my mind. My purpose was fresher and my resolve was renewed.

And when I exercise I sleep better. I have more energy and confidence. And intellectually, as a nurse, I know how crucial it is for me to exercise. And to be honest… {whisper}…(I don’t really like exercise, but aren’t there all kinds of things in life that we do, even though we don’t like them? And so, I’m guessing that’s just the way it is, no excuses … so pray for me??)

And it will be new to me to purposefully plan my to-do list and goals for my day before the day begins. Usually I’m putting out fires as the day goes along, hoping to remember the most crucial deadlines hour by hour. And I’m anticipating that this will make the list-maker-love-to-check-off-the-box beaver in me so very complete and satisfied to have a list all ready to go before my day fully begins.

And while I try to establish these new early morning habits, (which is a challenge for this late-night-loving-mama who is even now finishing this post at 12:59 am, yikes!), I am grateful to try amidst the community and accountability of my beautiful Good Morning Girls and Hello Mornings sisters. I’m so thankful not to be in this alone!

Will you pray for me as I embark on this new 3-month-challenge plan? I would be so very thankful!

May your day be blessed!

 

 

How do you organize your day?

What order works best for you?

Continuing on, in the counting of One Thousand Gifts {#1196-1210}with Ann and this community, and the Joy Dare of 2012 with a printable…

#1196 A job I love

#1197 New sod in our backyard

#1198 Warm sunshine and a mountain to wake to yesterday, and fresh rain today

#1199 #hmc2

#1200 New design possibilities

#1201 Ann’s blog

#1202 A new friendship beginning

#1203 Kisses from a clean-shaven face

#1204 New Dansko work clogs

#1205 Learning more about the camera

#1206 Foot Reflexology, chewing gum, and heavy breaths LOL!

#1207 A visit from my daddy

#1208 Laughter with the kids

#1209 New clothes and shoes for him

#1210 His mercies new every morning…

 

 Photo Credit: Sagewah, Flickr Creative Commons
Filed Under: Bible Reading, Faith, Gratitude, Inspirational, Journaling, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



His Good and Perfect Gifts…

October 31, 2011 by 20 Comments

God is in the business of giving good and perfect gifts—gifts I am sometimes unaware I even need.

Gifts that surprise me and overwhelm me, that drown me and sink me deep into His great love—His love with skin and flesh on … this, the body of Christ.

I know because I have experienced its marvelous beauty in this relevant place…and I’m counting the gifts… [Read more...]

Filed Under: Community, Friendship, Gratitude, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: , , , ,



…As I Fly to See Friends

October 26, 2011 by 5 Comments

I have virtual friends. I’ve found them online, and I often hang on their words. They stretch me and grow me and challenge me and inspire me.

And they have little idea who I am.

I dream of the conversations we might have. What I’d share with them and what they might say. And before you judge me and think I’m in need of some mental health intervention…take a look in the mirror…I’m thinking you do this too. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Community, Faith, Friendship, Gratitude, One Thousand Gifts Tagged With: , , , ,



Seeing the Gifts

October 10, 2011 by 8 Comments

Perspective is everything, and seeing is only for those who are willing to look.

And for a long time I didn’t really see the gifts that were from Him. In my self-centered world I focused on what wasn’t, and missed them before my very eyes…His generous gifts. Gifts from His heart to mine…the ones He had been giving all this time.

And last February that all changed. I was in the Ft. Lauderdale airport and received a text from a friend…

“You HAVE to get this book. Download it for your flight, RIGHT.NOW. You WON’T be sorry!”

And so I fumbled and searched on my newly acquired smart phone, hurriedly trying to download the e-book version before our 5-hour flight departed. And finally, after successfully loading it just before we boarded the plane, I settled into my seat, and eagerly began to read…

And nothing could have prepared me for what her words have done for me…to me. Yes, her words…but really His words…her the conduit from His heart to mine.

And I continued to read, and I couldn’t stop. Like air to my lungs, and food to my soul, I devoured the words…one page after the next. Profound prose and poetry combined, with soothing, yet piercing concepts…and I kept turning pages…reading, and re-reading some parts, again and again…ready for the laying down of ingratitude…longing for the transformation to begin, and immediately surrendering to the process.

The book One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp, has changed me. And I daily strive to continue the transforming…

To participate in His death, with my daily dying, and give thanks for ALL He gives.

To look for the gifts, give thanks, and unwrap His gift of joy.

To be fully present in the now, and live life slower…weighing each moment down with intention, pausing in the moments, because life is not an emergency.

To recognize that the darkness of suffering births new life in me…profoundly conforming my heart after His.

To acknowledge that ALL is Grace, and God is always good, and I am always loved.

To use God’s Word as my lens to see the world.

To really SEE, His perspective, and give thanks in the seeing.

To offer Eucharisteo as the act of staying IN His presence in each moment.

To trust Him by installing the planks of thanks, and look in the rearview mirror and remember how His bridges have held. Always remembering what He has done for me.

To bow low and bend to get His best gifts, stooping lower each time.

To die to self hour by hour, striving to follow in the footsteps of my Savior, and refusing to kill joy.

To remember how I’m blessed, and to look for ways to intentionally become the blessing…searching for the divine appointments He will faithfully provide.

To abide and commune and read and pray, with Him, each day.

And since reading her words, and in the reading of them again and again, I have not been the same. I strive to practice Eucharisteo, giving thanks in each moment, searching and yearning to find His gifts. And it has become a daily hunt that has transformed me from the inside out. This change of perspective, changing me, and the process itself birthing joy…a joy unspeakable!

And Eucharisteo really does always precede the miracle.

And in the learning to see, I have had challenges. Moments that are hard…growing pains and resistance to maturing…temptations to refuse the gifts and wallow in my flesh…and in many moments I have failed. And after my internal-adult-temper-tantrum is finished, He woos, and whispers, and lovingly redirects. And I fall to the bowed-low posture that failure brings, and I surrender my ingratitude again. And He forgives. And I start anew, EVERY.TIME. searching and counting them again, and experiencing the joy.

I have shared this with other women, and they too have been transformed. And the community and group is growing, people around the world counting gifts and choosing joy.

And Ann, I know you love Him SO, and ALL is Grace, and this book ALL because of Him, and through Him and to Him…and my heart screams THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Thank you for obeying His call, for typing in the fringe hours…faithfully typing out each word for the pages we would all turn, for loving Him so deeply and modeling what it is to commune and abide with Him…our sweet Savior. You SHINE Him and reflect Him and because of your choice to listen and obey, I am forever changed.

And today I have counted my thousandth gift, as I’ve been numbering them one at a time…and I will be forever counting ALL He gives.  My heart is so full, and my perspective changed, and this practice of Eucharisteo becoming a way of life for me…

 

Counting One Thousand Gifts {#989-1000}…and counting…
#989 Grace moments undeserved
#990 Chances to practice humility
#991 Strength to hold my tongue
#992 Moments stolen away with Him
#993 Last minute dinner with dear friends
#994 Pumpkin candles burning
#995 Children’s laughter and giggles
#996 Surrendering all
#997 The sound of water falling
#998 At the cross…at the cross…where I first saw the light
#999 Early morning embraces
#1000 Finishing the Bible in 90 Days with Momstoolbox
 

 What are you giving thanks for this day?

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